Double penetration: This Three Kingdoms has dragon energy

Chapter 142 The Self-Cultivation of a Qualified Lord!

Taishan Prefecture, Governor's Office, Council Hall.

The bronze animal-head incense burner emitted wisps of blue smoke, causing the candlelight to flicker.

A yellowed map was spread out on a long sandalwood table, with strongholds marked in red ink scattered throughout, seemingly ready to spring to life in the swaying light and shadow.

Ji Qiu leaned against the sandalwood main seat covered with tiger skin, his black wide sleeves hanging down to the armrests, and the gilded and silver arm guards on his wrists gleamed coldly in the candlelight.

His half-closed eyes gleamed with a sharp, hawk-like light. His fingertips slowly and deliberately caressed the bronze tiger tally on the table, taking in all the clamor of arguments from the civil and military officials throughout the hall, yet remaining completely silent.

Only after all the civil and military officials had finished discussing and handling the daily affairs did he say calmly, "Gentlemen, it has been nine months. We have taken over Qi County and Le'an County for nine months!"
In nine months, we not only completely absorbed Qi County and Le'an County, but also greatly increased our own strength.

The external environment and the global landscape have also undergone tremendous changes.

So it's time to discuss what path our army should take next!

"What my lord says is true. After enduring for a full nine months, the time has finally come for our army to launch an attack!"
Now that Dong Zhuo has moved the capital to Chang'an, he has completely lost influence over affairs outside the Great Wall.

The alliance against Dong Zhuo, formed by the warlords of Guandong, also became a mere shell of its former self.

All the feudal lords returned to their respective strongholds and began vying for territory.

"Now our army no longer needs to worry about interference from Dong Zhuo and the Guandong Alliance!" Xi Zhong chuckled.

The main purpose of the previous nine-month cessation of military operations was indeed to streamline internal affairs and thoroughly integrate Qi Commandery and Le'an Commandery.

But there was another reason, which was to prevent external interference from the anti-Dong Zhuo alliance and Dong Zhuo himself.

Ji Qiu's plan at the time was to send troops to Qingzhou, occupy some counties in Qingzhou, and lull the two major forces into a false sense of security so that they would start a war with each other.

However, at the same time, he cannot occupy too much territory or expose too much of his strength, lest he arouse the suspicion of the two major powers and be met with a swift and decisive attack.

In short, striking the right balance truly tests one's abilities.

Fortunately, he had many talented people under his command.

In particular, the chief strategist, Minister of Military Affairs Xi Zhong, possesses the innate secret technique of Star Luo Deduction, and is most skilled at this kind of thing, which is why he can grasp the measure perfectly!
Ji Qiu chuckled and asked, "So, Zhi Cai, what do you think our army's next target is?"

"My lord, you are asking a question you already know the answer to. Our next target is naturally Kong Rong, the governor of Qingzhou!" Xi Zhong said with a light laugh.

Months earlier, Dong Zhuo had already ordered the appointment of Kong Rong as the governor of Qingzhou.

His original intention was naturally to hope that Kong Rong could integrate the forces of Qingzhou and thus suppress Ji Qiu.

Even if it is too late, it is necessary to delay the speed at which Ji Qiu seizes Qingzhou.

However, he truly held this descendant of Confucius in high esteem, a great Confucian scholar of the nation.

After Kong Rong took over as governor of Qingzhou, things were no different from before he took office.

He continued to spend his days in the Prime Minister's residence, entertaining guests and engaging in lively conversation and drinking.

As for its impact on Ji Qiu, it can't be said that it was completely nonexistent, but it was better than nothing.

Xi Zhong chuckled and said, "Although Kong Rong did not truly exert the power of the position of Governor of Qingzhou, his reputation and status are still second to none in Qingzhou."

At the same time, Beihai Kingdom is also the head of the six prefectures of Qingzhou.

If our army can defeat Kong Rong in one battle and take over the Beihai Kingdom, it will greatly deter other forces within Qingzhou, causing them to surrender at the mere sight of us!

“That makes sense. In that case, let’s attack Kong Rong first!”

However, Kong Rong was a descendant of Confucius, and one should not be too rude to the son of the sage of literature; it is better to be courteous first and then resort to force.

I intend to first write a letter to Kong Rong urging him to surrender. If he can see the situation clearly and surrender directly, then we can avoid a war.

What do you all think?

“Our lord is kind and benevolent. This move is truly giving Kong Rong face. If Kong Rong had any sense, he should have surrendered immediately!” Xi Zhong said immediately.

The other ministers also agreed, praising Ji Qiu for his benevolence and for displaying the dignified and righteous demeanor of a king.

Ji Qiu slightly raised his hand to suppress the flattery, and then said, "In that case, please have Shuzhi write this letter on my behalf!"

Shuzhi was Wang Xiu's courtesy name, and Ji Qiu's actions were precisely for Wang Xiu's sake.

Looking at all the battles since the uprising in the late autumn, he was not a man of womanly compassion.

Why was Kong Rong treated so well this time?

This was partly because he wanted to recruit Kong Rong.

This is a descendant of Confucius, a renowned Confucian scholar, who wields immense influence among scholars worldwide.

At the same time, it also possesses powerful abilities.

If we can subdue him, it will further enhance the overall strength of Ji Qiu's forces.

On the other hand, it was also because he had previously promised Wang Xiu that he would give Kong Rong a respectable opportunity.

Now was the time for him to fulfill his promise.

However, personally, he did not believe that Kong Rong would cherish and seize this opportunity.

Although Kong Rong was very capable, his strength did not lie in his insight and ability to see the times.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be hosting a banquet in the Prime Minister's residence at this time, completely unaware of what was happening.

Therefore, this letter was destined to be wasted.

But what does it matter?

Since it's a cost-effective thing, why not do it?

Wang Xiu stepped out from the ranks of civil officials, bowed deeply to Ji Qiu, and said gratefully, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to persuade Kong Rong to see the true state of affairs and surrender to Your Majesty!"

He knew perfectly well that Ji Qiu was only giving him this opportunity because of him.

But at the same time, he knew even better that, given Kong Rong's character, he would never surrender because of this.

The letters he sent not only failed to have a positive effect, but also only angered Kong Rong.

However, this did not diminish his gratitude and goodwill towards Ji Qiu.

Ji Qiu's actions were both fulfilling a promise and expressing respect for him.

The former indicates that Ji Qiu is a person who values ​​promises and integrity, which naturally increases his goodwill towards him.

The latter moved him even more. In this era that values ​​sacrificing oneself for righteousness and the idea that a scholar would die for one who understands him, being respected by one's lord is enough to make subordinates willing to die for him!
Ji Qiu leaned against the sandalwood chair, feeling the rapidly increasing goodwill from Wang Xiu transmitted through the Mind's Eye technique, and couldn't help but smile faintly.

Do not do evil for the sake of small gains, and do not refrain from doing good for the sake of small gains.

A unicorn can leap less than ten steps, but a slow horse can travel ten times the distance if it perseveres.

Improving the loyalty of subordinates should be treated as a daily task and carried out persistently in daily life.

In particular, we should frequently use cost-effective methods to enhance the loyalty of our subordinates, such as respect or other positive emotional values.

This is the self-cultivation of a qualified lord!

Wang Xiu then wrote a letter of persuasion to surrender quickly, which he then sent out by a messenger.

Meanwhile, Ji Qiu and Xi Zhong continued to discuss how to take over the Beihai Kingdom.

As mentioned before, this letter is 99% likely to be wasted; taking over the Beihai Kingdom will inevitably require a war!

……

Beihai Kingdom, Prime Minister's Mansion.

As dusk settles over Beihai City, the city lights begin to twinkle.

Nine bronze palace lanterns hang from the vermilion gate, their candlelight flickering in the exquisite cloud-patterned lampshades, casting a golden glow on the two characters "Li Xian" (meaning "respecting the virtuous") on the screen wall.

The sound of string and wind instruments tinkled by the pond in the front courtyard. Guests filed in one after another across the winding white marble bridge, their wide robes and sleeves brushing against the carved railings, carrying with them the fragrance of agarwood.

Inside the banquet hall, twelve painted screens hang high, dividing the space into elegant seating areas. In the central open space, dancers twirl and dance to the rhythm of chime bells, their skirts adorned with golden bells sweeping across the blue bricks, creating shimmering silver light.

Kong Rong, dressed in loose robes and a wide belt, stood in the main seat, the amber wine in his cup swaying gently with his hearty laughter: "Today we will not discuss military or political matters, but only poetry and literature! Which gentleman would like to compose a fine couplet for this 'North Sea Moon'?"

Before he finished speaking, the white-robed scholar in the seat on the left had already raised his cup and stood up. Moonlight shone through the window lattice and frosted his temples: "Since Lord Kong Rong has chosen the moon as his theme, I dare to humbly offer: 'The moon hangs over the North Sea like a thousand cups of snow, and the tide surges in the East Sea like ten thousand stars!'"

Cheers immediately erupted from all sides, and the old scholar at the next table stroked his beard and laughed: "What a wonderful 'thousands of cups of snow' and 'ten thousand layers of stars'! It makes even this fine wine pale in comparison!"

Suddenly, clear, melodious zither music drifted from a corner. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a woman in plain clothes her fingers flying across the seven-stringed zither. The music suddenly shifted to a more passionate tone: "Under the rule of Lord Kong Rong, the people live in peace and prosperity. Why not transform this elegant gathering into a poem, and have it engraved in stone?"

Upon hearing this, all the scholars in the room stared intently.

Kong Rong clapped his hands and laughed heartily, downing the wine in his cup in one gulp. The pearl on his jade crown trembled slightly with the movement: "Excellent! Someone, bring bamboo slips, brush, and ink! Tonight, we will make this elegant gathering in Beihai famous throughout the world!"

The night breeze, carrying the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, swept past the carved beams, enveloping the hall in a tapestry of lively conversation and harmonious music.

The distant sound of the night watchman's clapper could not dispel the unbridled talent and passion flowing freely in this world. The candlelight burned brighter and brighter, casting the figures of everyone on the screen, making them look like immortals in a painting.

Just as the music was in full swing, a dark figure stumbled and crashed through the beaded curtain.

A servant knelt before Kong Rong, trembling, and held up a letter, saying in a trembling voice, "Reporting to my master! Wang Xiu has sent a letter!"

"Wang Xiu? He still dares to send a letter?"

Kong Rong paused, his face instantly turning ashen.

Wang Xiu was originally his chief clerk, and he had been promoted by him, but Wang Xiu suddenly abandoned him a few months ago.

I initially thought something had happened at home, which was why he left without saying goodbye.

Later I found out that he had gone to seek refuge with Ji Qiu!
This action infuriated Kong Rong, who felt deeply humiliated.

Every time I think about this, I get really angry.

Therefore, for the past few months, his servants have never dared to mention Wang Xiu in front of him.

But today, Wang Xiu suddenly sent someone to deliver a letter, and these servants naturally dared not hide the letter from Kong Rong.

So after some polite refusals and a bit of competition, this unlucky fellow was finally chosen to deliver the message.

"Bring it here!" Although Kong Rong was furious, he ultimately decided to see what was written in Wang Xiu's letter.

Perhaps the other party was unhappy working under Ji Qiu, regretted joining Ji Qiu, and then came to beg for his forgiveness?

If that's the case, he'll definitely make a good laugh at him!
Kong Rong took the letter and only glanced at it twice before his pale knuckles turned blue from the force he exerted.

At this moment, the candlelight suddenly flickered violently, casting his distorted face onto the "Respect for the Virtuous" plaque behind him, making him look like a monstrous demon.

"How dare you, Zhu Zi!"

Kong Rong roared, shaking the swallows' nests on the beams and sending dust flying. He tore the letter to shreds and threw it into the air, the scraps of paper fluttering like pale butterflies towards the guests.

The banquet hall was deathly silent. The dancers froze in their twirling poses, and the lingering sound of a snapped zither string echoed between the beams and pillars.

Kong Rong grabbed the bronze wine vessel from the table and smashed it against the pillar, roaring, "That dog Wang Xiu dares to humiliate me like this!"

What is late autumn?
He is nothing but a sycophant favored by the late emperor; how dare he presume to recruit me?

"Send word to the Beihai camp, ordering Taishi Ci to immediately send troops to Le'an County."

"Make Ji Qiu hand over Wang Xiu, or I will face him on the battlefield!"

……

Beihai camp.

Standing tall amidst the vast wilderness, ten thousand banners flutter like clouds.

The rammed earth walls, three zhang high, were covered with barricades and antlers. Bronze crossbows and iron caltrops gleamed coldly in the sunlight. Eagles could be seen circling above the camp from fifty li away.

The camp has 50,000 strong troops practicing military formations.

Of these 50,000 strong troops, 30,000 were Kong Rong's private army, and the remaining 20,000 were recruited by Kong Rong after he became the prime minister of Beihai State.

All the soldiers wore coarse linen armor, a simple grayish-white color, with indigo sashes tied around their waists.

Each person had a bronze ceremonial sword engraved with cloud and thunder patterns hanging beside them. The jade pendants hanging from the ends of the swords clashed together, making a clear and melodious sound like the tinkling of jade pendants, which startled the egrets perched on the gate and made them take flight.

With the sound of three gongs, the formation suddenly broke through the ice like spring water.

The soldiers in the front row stepped forward, their bronze swords slightly lowered and pointing diagonally towards the sky, their posture a mixture of bowing and guarding.
The spears in the rear rose up like a forest from the ground, the plain silk ribbons tied to the tassels fluttering in the wind, showing no trace of killing intent.

As the formation shifted, the soldiers advanced and retreated in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the pentatonic scale. Even the wind stirred by the hem of their robes as they turned exuded restraint, as if they were disciples of Confucius practicing etiquette at the Apricot Altar a thousand years ago.

As the formation transformed into a long "仁" (ren, meaning benevolence) character, the leading captain suddenly raised his arm and shouted: "Self-discipline and restoration of propriety!"

Fifty thousand voices responded in unison, like the resounding of a great bell, yet no ferocious bulging of veins was seen.

When they thrust forward with their swords, their wrists flipped in a smooth arc, as if they were writing seal script.

The blocking movements were so fluid and seamless, perfectly matching the rhythm of the guqin piece "Wen Wang Cao".

At the climax of the rehearsal, someone's crown was swept off by the sword wind generated by their companion. The person smiled, bent down to pick it up, and the composure in adjusting the crown made them appear more dignified than when they were sitting idly.

As the sun began to set in the west, the military formation vanished like flowing water.

The soldiers sheathed their swords in a quiet and orderly fashion, like birds returning to the forest.

As dusk fell, the cloth armor and ceremonial swords were bathed in a faint golden glow, making it seem as if it were not a military exercise, but rather 50,000 gentlemen performing a grand coming-of-age ceremony between heaven and earth.

Inside the Chinese army's tent.

Taishi Ci was clad in black iron chainmail, and the white tiger swallowing the moon breastplate on his chest reflected the flickering candlelight.

Suddenly, a messenger strode into the tent and handed a military order to Taishi Ci: "General, this is a military order from the Chancellor!"

Taishi Ci took the military order and frowned immediately upon reading it.

Kong Rong actually ordered him to attack Ji Qiu?
They even want to force Ji Qiu to hand over Wang Xiu?

Has he gone mad?!
Compared to Kong Rong, who was completely unaware of the situation in Beihai, Taishi Ci had a clear understanding of the current situation in Beihai and Qingzhou.

He knew that although the Beihai Kingdom was nominally ruled by Kong Rong, it had long since become the domain of the Yellow Turbans of Qingzhou.

It's unclear what methods the Yellow Turbans of Qingzhou used to deceive those lowly commoners into obeying their orders.

With the cooperation of these people, the Yellow Turbans of Qingzhou have quietly taken control of all areas in Beihai, except for Beihai City!
Guan Hai himself certainly didn't have this ability; the person who gave him this ability was Ji Qiu, who stood behind him!
The Beihai Kingdom is now practically Ji Qiu's possession.

Kong Rong was just a piece of meat that had already been cooked, and Ji Qiu could come and eat him at any time!
At this point, how could Kong Rong survive if he didn't die? He even thought of threatening Ji Qiu.
Taishi Ci was full of complaints, but did he really not know what Kong Rong was thinking?
That's not necessarily true.

After all, he had been under Kong Rong's wing for quite some time.

He also had a good understanding of Kong Rong's temperament.

Therefore, he knew very well that Kong Rong was not stupid, but rather genuinely unaware of the situation in the Beihai Kingdom.

It wasn't that his subordinates were deceiving him.

Both the former registrar and the current Taishi Ci have repeatedly reminded and warned him.

But it didn't work.

Kong Rong's eyes were all on those famous scholars who talked about philosophy every day, and he couldn't see the people at the bottom at all!

Or rather, he simply doesn't want to see the lower classes!
And no one can wake someone who is pretending to be asleep!
"Although this battle was a defeat, I have received great kindness from my lord and cannot disobey military orders. I will use this life to repay the kindness of my lord!" Taishi Ci sighed in his heart.

In fact, given his abilities, he would not have looked down on Kong Rong. If he had abandoned Kong Rong, he might have had a better future.

However, he ultimately chose to join Kong Rong and remained extremely loyal to him.

This is because Kong Rong had done him a favor.

There are three kinds of kindness.

Firstly, the kindness of helping someone in distress.

Taishi Ci once fled to Liaodong to avoid trouble, while his mother lived alone in their hometown and was repeatedly taken care of by Kong Rong.

Kong Rong knew that Taishi Ci was extremely filial. Although he had never met him, he sent people to deliver grain and silk to Taishi Ci's home on many occasions to fulfill his filial duty on his behalf.

This act of kindness, which transcended mountains and seas, deeply moved Taishi Ci and his mother.

This inspired Taishi Ci to serve Kong Rong.

Secondly, the kindness of recognizing and promoting talent.

Taishi Ci was seven feet seven inches tall, with a beautiful beard, long arms, and excellent archery skills. He possessed the courage of ten thousand men, but because of his humble origins and his early life as a wandering knight-errant, he was not valued by the gentry.

Kong Rong disregarded social class distinctions and, as the prime minister, personally welcomed Taishi Ci to his camp, treating him as a confidant and entrusting him with the important task of leading the army.

At that time, the gentry of Beihai looked down on military men, but Kong Rong said frankly at the banquet: "Ziyi has the spirit of ancient martyrs, and is not comparable to ordinary warriors."

He even gave him command of elite troops and presented him with his own sword.

This act of kindness and recognition allowed Taishi Ci, who came from humble beginnings, to experience the dignity of being respected and recognized for the first time, which also became the key to his wholehearted service to Kong Rong.

Thirdly, the kindness and righteousness of a gentleman's friendship!

The friendship between Kong Rong and Taishi Ci went beyond the relationship between superior and subordinate; it also reflected their shared sense of righteousness and gentlemanly conduct.

Although Kong Rong was his superior, he often sat at the same table with Taishi Ci and talked with him. When discussing military strategy, he praised Taishi Ci as "brave and resourceful, capable of undertaking great responsibilities." When discussing loyalty and filial piety, he sighed that "even Yu Rang of ancient times was no better than him."

Historically, when Kong Rong was fighting against Yuan Shao's forces and the situation was critical, he frankly told Taishi Ci: "The people of Beihai, my elderly mother and young children, are all entrusted to you."

This profound trust, akin to entrusting one's son to another on one's deathbed, demonstrates that the bond between the two transcends that of ordinary ruler and subject, approaching a life-or-death friendship.

Against the backdrop of warlordism and power struggles at the end of the Han Dynasty, Kong Rong, as a renowned scholar, treated a poor but chivalrous man with respect, while Taishi Ci repaid his friend's kindness with a willingness to die for him. Their relationship was like a clear spring in a turbid world.

As the Records of the Three Kingdoms states: "Kong Rong was proud of his reputation, but Taishi Ci was moved by his kindness and righteousness and fought to the death for him."

This story not only highlights the ancient virtue of "a scholar will die for one who understands him," but also leaves a warm footnote about trust and loyalty in a chaotic world.

Taishi Ci then ordered 50,000 Gentlemen's Army soldiers to leave the camp and head to the border between Beihai Kingdom and Le'an County.

……

Not far from the official road to Beihai.

Ji Qiu looked at the orderly marching ranks of the Beihai army and couldn't help but chuckle, "This is the famous Gentleman's Army of the Confucius family."

They did indeed display the demeanor of a kingly army with high morale and strict military discipline.

These soldiers don't seem very strong.

The story goes that Confucius, in his time, used such an army to sweep across the states, becoming invincible and unrivaled!

Confucius traveled throughout the states, spreading Confucianism and Taoism—a story that countless Confucian scholars have always cherished.

But few people know that Confucius's travels around the states were not without their challenges.

That was a time of warring states, the collapse of social order and music, and utter chaos throughout the land.

At this time, traveling around the world, how could one not have sufficient martial virtue?

Confucius, however, possessed great martial virtue. He led his army of three thousand gentlemen and seventy-two generals to sweep across the states, forcing the rulers of those states to sit quietly and listen to him speak.

Jia Xu chuckled and said, "I have learned that the Kong family's private army all practice the secret techniques for strengthening the army passed down by Confucius. Gentleman!"
This gentleman's secret technique can grant soldiers four different buffs.

Firstly, it can boost soldiers' morale, ensuring they always maintain a high level of morale and an optimistic and positive spirit.

Secondly, it can strengthen soldiers' beliefs and give them indomitable resilience and unwavering will.

Third, it can enhance soldiers' learning ability, enabling them to quickly master various skills.

Fourth, it instills in all soldiers a heart of benevolence and righteousness.

Walk the path of benevolence, do benevolent deeds, and be a benevolent person.

Well, this secret technique doesn't seem like it's training soldiers, but rather like it's cultivating students.

Using soldiers who have mastered such secret arts in battle is truly putting the cart before the horse.

"Hehe, Wenhe is unaware of this."

The gentleman's secret art created by Confucius was once a very powerful secret art for strengthening the army.

Otherwise, Confucius wouldn't have been able to sweep across the states and spread his ideas!

However, the gentleman's secret arts that Confucius possesses today are already incomplete.

Historical records state that the gentleman's secret arts, created by Confucius, were divided into two parts.

The first part is about the Dao, which is mainly used to cultivate one's character and build a solid foundation.

The second part is about techniques, which are the truly powerful secret techniques used to kill and defeat enemies.

It records four powerful military formation techniques: self-cultivation, family management, governing the country, and bringing peace to the world.

It was absolutely terrifying!
The current version of the Confucian classics only has the first part, but not the second part, which makes the Gentlemen's Army seem rather weak.

"Even though it's only the first part, the six arts of a gentleman recorded in it are enough to make the powerful army that cultivates this secret art not to be underestimated!" Xun You said with a smile.

Ji Qiu's gaze wandered, and he said thoughtfully, "So this gentleman's secret technique actually hides such a secret. That's quite interesting!"

(End of this chapter)